Health inspectors identified multiple food code violations at three Philadelphia restaurants on Tuesday, April 22. As they were found to violate various provisions of the food code, their levels of compliance were stated to be satisfactory.
Please note that the results mentioned here are from inspections conducted on April 22 and may not represent the future health inspection status of the food establishments.
Highlights
- Three Philadelphia restaurants were unsuccessful in clearing a health inspection that was conducted on April 22.
- Inspectors who visited the health establishments cited various violations of the food code.
- Reinspections will be conducted at the restaurants to ensure compliance.
Health Inspection Findings from Three Philadelphia Establishments
The eateries that stumbled during Tuesday’s inspections were Dig, Pho Palace, and Prestige Restaurant and Lounge. Various risk factor violations and cases of non-compliance with the Good Retail Practices were reported at the establishments.
Dig
- Where: 1616 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
- When: April 22, 2025
Dig offers seasonal, comfort, and healthy food, served in a relaxed atmosphere. Menu offerings include dishes like Romesco Steak Plate, Field of Greens, and Avo Smash Crispy Chicken Thigh Sandwich.
The restaurant underwent the health inspection between 11:05 AM and 1 PM on Tuesday, during which it performed poorly.
Inspection Findings at Dig
The first violation cited in the official report was in the case of the hot water not being available at the handwashing sink in the basement preparation area. Further, wiping cloths were seen stored in sanitizer with a concentration of 100 ppm instead of the required 200 ppm.
Some refrigeration units lacked accessible temperature measuring devices, the report said. Two cold holding units in the basement were inoperable, and a chest freezer was missing its handle, it was noted.
Inspectors also observed debris on counters and residue on cooking equipment exteriors and around the handwash station. There was ice that had accumulated inside the chest freezer, and pooled water was present at the bottom of the cold preparation unit storing mac and cheese, the report pointed out.
Pointing to a lack of cleanliness at the facility, the inspection report noted that debris was found on floors in the first-floor preparation and basement storage areas. Dust on ceiling surfaces near the vent and walk-in cooler, grease on the basement ceiling, and residue behind the dishwasher and under handwash stations were also observed.
Pho Palace
- Where: 15501 Bustleton Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19103
- When: April 22, 2025
Serving Vietnamese cuisine, Pho Palace is located at Bustleton Ave. The “Straightforward noodle house” also serves a variety of classic Vietnamese dishes & banh mi sandwiches.
The Inspection at the restaurant happened between 11:05 AM and 12:45 PM on Tuesday. As various violations were recorded, the food safety compliance was deemed unsatisfactory.
Inspection Findings at Pho Palace
The report began by stating that old food residue, dishes, and utensils were found in the handwashing sink. Moist wiping cloths were found stored on counters instead of in sanitizer solution, it was noted. The report said there was ice buildup inside the walk-in freezer.
Noodles were seen being prepared in the food prep sink, and no food prep sink with an indirect drain was present in the facility, the report said. Moreover, the facility lacked an indirect waste drain connection or approved variance for food prep, it was stated.
Multi-use utensils were seen being washed improperly in the garbage grinder sink instead of the designated three-compartment sink. Plastic crates and pallets were being used to elevate food in the kitchen and walk-in cooler, which is not an approved method, as per the report.
Prepared foods in the facility were not date-marked, it was observed. Food items were seen stored directly on the floor in the walk-in freezer, and cases of oil were also stored less than 6 inches above the floor.
Knives and cleavers were stored between table edges, which are not easily cleanable or sanitizable, it was reported. Preset tableware, including small bowls and spoons in the dining area, was not properly covered, wrapped, or inverted to prevent contamination, as was said in the report.
The inspection report also noted that brooms and dustpans were seen stored on the front service and kitchen floor. Mops were left in buckets rather than elevated for air-drying, it said. Gaps were also observed around pipes in the warewashing area, it added.
Prestige Restaurant and Lounge
- Where: 223 S Sydenham St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
- When: April 22, 2025
Offering “bold dishes and relaxing atmosphere”, Prestige Restaurant and Lounge is located on S Sydenham St. The menu at the restaurant features dishes from around the world, honoring different countries and cultures.
The health inspection that was conducted at the restaurant between 1:45 PM and 4:05 PM on April 22 revealed various violations of the food code at the restaurant.
Inspection Findings at Prestige Restaurant and Lounge
The report said that expired food items were found in refrigerators and were discarded as a corrective action. Raw animal products were seen stored above ready-to-eat foods in multiple refrigeration units, and rearranged to fix the issue.
The report noted that the chlorine sanitizer levels in three low-temperature dishwashers were insufficient.
Commercially processed, ready-to-eat items that had been opened lacked date marks, it was noted. Prepared foods that were being held for over 48 hours also had missing date labels, it was also stated.
The paper towel dispenser at the warewashing hand sink was empty, and paper towels were added to correct the issue, it was stated. Bulk storage containers that were not labeled with the common name of the contents were found.
Corrective actions were taken to resolve many of the violations cited. The health department will also conduct a reinspection to assess the compliance status of the restaurants.
In cases of issues with equipment and facility Maintenance, one bar on the first floor was not operational, and a chest freezer in the basement had a damaged lid. One walk-in cooler was being used for dry storage, the report said.
Concerning issues with cleanliness and hygiene, sticky residue was found on bar surfaces, shelving, and refrigerator handles. Food residue was seen inside kitchen refrigerators, and debris and black buildup were present on refrigerator gaskets. Accumulated debris on containers in the basement pantry, debris inside kitchen light covers, and pooled chicken blood on the walk-in cooler floor were also noted.
Listing issues with the condition of the restrooms, a hole was seen in the wall of one second-floor restroom. Unclean basement restroom surfaces were also reported. Two restrooms in the basement were out of order, and one handwashing sink in the basement was not sealed to the wall, it was stated.
There were structural issues at the facility that were cited in the inspection report. Water-damaged ceiling tiles in the second-floor hallway, peeling ceiling near the basement dishwasher, and a hole in the basement prep area floor were among the issues. Missing base coving in the second-floor bar/lounge, damaged concrete floor behind the first-floor bar, sticky residue and grime on bar floors, and residue on basement walls and debris in wall-floor gaps in the second-floor lounge were also noted.
The respective inspection reports for the restaurants stated that corrective actions are required to eliminate the violations that have been identified. The reinspections that will happen over the coming days will asses the compliance status of the establishments. Further, if the issues persist, the restaurants may face the revocation of their licenses.
